Obama to use MLK Bible

1/10/13 11:00 AM EST

President Obama has chosen to take the oath of office on two Bibles this time -- the Lincoln one he used in 2009 and another owned by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

“On the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, this historic moment is a reflection of the extraordinary progress we’ve made as a nation,” said Steve Kerrigan, who heads the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

Obama's ceremonial swearing in on the Capitol steps Jan. 21 falls on MLK Day. The King Bible was one that King used on the road for inspiration and preparing sermons and speeches, including during his time as a pastor in Montgomery, Alabama.

“We know our father would be deeply moved to see President Obama take the Oath of Office using his bible,” King’s children said in a statement. “His ‘traveling bible’ inspired him as he fought for freedom, justice and equality, and we hope it can be a source of strength for the President as he begins his second term."

In a private swearing-in at the White House on Jan. 20, Obama will use the Robinson family Bible, a gift from the first lady’s father to his mother in 1958. She was the first African-American woman manager of a Moody Bible Institute’s bookstore and used the Bible regularly.